Golden Girl

by Velvet Vaughn

  Ethan scoffed again. “Twins? Please. He’s way older.”

  Jamal scrunched up his face. “You two get along?”

  Noah seemed to sense how important the question was to Jamal. “Yes, we do. We argue sometimes, but we love each other.”

  Jamal turned to Ethan. “You’re the younger brother, right?” At Ethan’s nod, he said, “If he asked you to do something that you knew was wrong, would you do it just because he’s your brother?”

  Ethan shot a panicked look at Noah, who looked equally panicked. Heck, she was as well.

  Ethan crouched down until he was eye level with Jamal. “If I knew it was wrong, and it made me uncomfortable, then no, I wouldn’t do it just because he’s my brother.” He patted his chest. “I’d do what I thought was right in here.”

  Jamal released a breath and nodded. “Good.”

  Peyton blinked away tears. Jamal had such a good heart. Despite his rough home life, his inner light shined brightly. “Let me see if I can find some bacon.” She opened the refrigerator, surprised to find it fully stocked.

  “Our office manager,” Noah said, making her gasp. She hadn’t heard him come up behind her. “She took care of everything.”

  Peyton wasn’t much of a cook. She could make a mean protein smoothie and she knew how to grill delicious chicken, but that was pretty much the extent of her culinary talents. How hard could it be to crack a few eggs and fry up some bacon?

  After the sixth egg slithered half in the bowl, half out, the part in the bowl swimming among tiny fractures of shell, she was about to give up.

  “Let me help.” Noah grabbed another bowl and proceeded to expertly crack the eggs without getting any shell inside. Then he wielded a whisk like a pro, blending the yolks like an Iron Chef.

  “You can cook?”

  “A little. Had to learn so Ethan and Maggie didn’t go hungry.”

  “Your parents didn’t cook?”

  He glanced at her with a smile. “Oh, they did. Both of them and really well. But only organic plant-based food that they grew themselves. What kid wants a kale, jicama and bean sprout casserole instead of a hot dog?”

  She laughed. “You’re kidding.”

  He chuckled as he added bacon to an iron skillet. “Wish I was. We stayed with our grandparents a lot and my grandmother fed us the good stuff—mac and cheese, cheeseburgers—and taught us how to cook.”

  “Your parents sound interesting.” He’d given her glimpses, but she wanted to know more about him. She wanted to know everything.

  “Interesting they are. But they love us unconditionally.” He flipped the sizzling bacon and scooped the scrambled eggs onto a platter. Ethan had toasted bread while she stood enthralled by Noah’s cooking skills. She took the platter from his hands and placed it on the table that was set with plates and silverware, courtesy of Declan. Even Jamal pitched in, digging out the butter, jam, milk and orange juice from the fridge. Noah placed a steaming plate of bacon on the table and they all sat down to enjoy a delicious breakfast.

  #

  Noah wasn’t crazy about taking Jamal with them to the wedding, but they couldn’t leave him alone, either. He was too young to be left unattended, and he didn’t trust that the boy wouldn’t jump into the pool without supervision. The only option was to take him along and keep him inside the SUV. He would be happy playing video games on Ethan’s computer while Ethan and Declan kept watch. Noah would accompany Peyton to the ceremony.

  Peyton easily agreed to wearing the Kevlar vest this time. Ethan had brought another smaller one with him, so they strapped one on Jamal, much to his excitement.

  “Does this mean I’m an agent?” he asked hopefully.

  “More like our mascot,” Ethan teased.

  “Hey, I’m not a mascot,” he pouted, trying to sound offended but the smile as he ran his hands over the vest gave him away.

  Peyton looked incredible in a ruffled blue top that brought out the color of her eyes and long skirt decorated with flowers. He wore an Emporio Armani long-sleeved sport shirt in dark blue with charcoal pants that Ethan brought for him since the suit he packed was ruined after the near-miss with a bullet. He left the shirt untucked to cover his weapon. Good thing the wedding was informal.

  Ethan drove with Declan riding shotgun so he could give directions since he was familiar with the area, having grown up in Chicago. Noah sat in the back with Peyton, Jamal in the middle between them. He kept scanning for any threats. He wished he could’ve talked her out of attending, but this was important to her. The bride-to-be was her good friend and former teammate. It would’ve upset her to miss her friend’s big day and he understood. He didn’t like it, but he understood.

  Traffic was light on Sunday morning, and they arrived at the park where the wedding would be held without incident. Ethan found a space in the front row, explaining to Declan that they always backed in to park in case they needed to get away quickly. The few seconds it took to reverse and then switch directions could mean the difference.

  “That’s why,” Peyton mumbled.

  She reached for her door but he stopped her, instructing her to wait until he came around to get her. He scanned the perimeter as he slid outside. He’d accessed satellite maps on his computer, so he knew there were no tall buildings nearby to accommodate a sniper. The area was open, so unless an attack came at close range, they should be able to spot any incoming trouble. The only covered area was a white tent constructed on the beach, most likely for the reception.

  Opening Peyton’s door, he held out a hand to help her down. She smiled at him and he took a step back. A sudden image flashed in his mind of a different wedding—theirs. She was wearing a beaded white gown threaded with gold. Her flaxen hair was artfully arranged on top of her head and covered with a veil and she was most beautiful woman on the planet. She placed her hand in his and a diamond winked from her ring finger. Maggie stood beside her while Ethan and Carter flanked him. The visual had been so vivid, emotions clogged his throat.

  “Noah?”

  He blinked back to reality to see her staring at him with concern. He realized he was holding her hand but hadn’t made a move to help her down, so he did.

  “Sorry.”

  She looked up at him, her luminous blue eyes gazing into his. The daydream had seemed so real, he could practically feel Ethan slapping his back in congratulations.

  “You going to stand there all day or get moving?” Ethan said from behind him, breaking the spell. And yes, he was slapping his back. Fantasy and reality were clashing, and he felt off-kilter.

  “We’re going.”

  Reluctantly, he released her hand, but she quickly wrapped it around his arm, bringing her close to his side. He felt like the luckiest man in the world.

  “Enjoy your wedding,” Jamal called out.

  “It’s not our…I mean, thanks.” Damn, he needed to get a grip. He had a job to do and it wasn’t planning his dream wedding in his head. He had no business even thinking along those lines.

  More cars started to arrive as they made their way to the beach. Chairs had been set up in twenty rows of ten seats on each side split with an aisle covered with flower petals. A sign indicated to: Sit wherever your heart desires. He liked that idea that one person wouldn’t feel bad if they didn’t have as many friends and family to fill their section.

  Peyton chose seats in the second row. He indicated for her to proceed him. He wanted to be on the end in case they needed to leave quickly. Soft music drifted from speakers placed strategically around the area as seats began to fill. Peyton greeted several people in attendance and stepped around him to hug a few. She was laughing and radiant and he hated that someone was causing her distress. He’d do everything in his power to make it stop as quickly as possible.

  Noah tensed when Declan’s low voice came through the comm unit in his ear. “Got a suspicious vehicle. Black Dodge Ram driving slowly. He’s parking.” There was a pause. “He’s outside scanning the area with binoculars. Approachi
ng from behind.”

  Noah tossed an arm over Peyton’s shoulder and tucked her closer to his side, ignoring her confused look.

  “False alarm,” Declan announced. “He was looking for a place for his dog to do his business.”

  Noah relaxed but didn’t move his arm. It felt too damn good where it was. The groom took his spot beneath a natural wood arch covered with draping flowers and white lights. Fairy lights, Peyton called them. A woman in a colorful kaftan and headwrap shook the groom’s hand and then moved to stand in front of him. The officiant, apparently.

  Instead of the traditional wedding march, Elvis Costello’s She started to play as the bride walked down the aisle in a crown made of colorful flowers and a beautiful white dress that looked like it’d been crocheted.

  Peyton leaned into him. “She made the dress herself out of hemp.”

  Noah glanced at the groom to see him staring at his wife-to-be, clearly besotted. Is that how Noah looked when he gazed at Peyton? The groom didn’t wait for her to reach him, stepping forward to gather her in his arms and lead her the short distance to the arch, a chorus of delighted murmurs emanating from the women in attendance.

  The ceremony was blessedly short, ending with the newlyweds each releasing a white dove into the air. Apparently, it was a nod to the groom’s Filipino heritage.

  The reception was held steps away in the white tent. As they walked inside, Peyton told him that it had been decorated in boho chic, whatever that meant. Paper lanterns swayed gently in the breeze, and Mason jars painted white with an array of flowers inside decorated each table. There were white lights all over and some kind of macramé decorations along the front wall. Long tables draped in white tablecloths held an assortment of finger foods and decadent-looking desserts with beverages ranging from champagne to local craft beer to soda. He stuck with water since he was on duty.

  Peyton led him to a table with two couples that she knew, introducing him as her date. It was a step up from friend at least. She chatted animatedly and though he was constantly scanning for any threats, he couldn’t seem to take his eyes off her. She was just so damn stunning.

  The tent erupted into a chorus of cheers as the bride and groom entered with matching wide smiles. The groom looked as if he’d hit the lottery. The bride radiated happiness. She spotted Peyton and hurried over.

  “Peyton! I’m so glad you’re here.” Peyton stood and the bride threw her arms around her and hugged her tight.

  “You look stunning, sweetie,” Peyton told her. “I’m so happy for you. Congratulations.”

  “I’m happy for me, too.” They laughed and hugged again, and then keen eyes landed on him. “Who’s your date?”

  “Lotus, this is Noah Addison.”

  He shook her hand. “Congratulations. It was a beautiful ceremony.”

  “Thank you.” Then she whispered to Peyton in a voice that carried. “The Noah?”

  Peyton blushed furiously and glanced at him. He pretended he didn’t hear but man, that’d been a kick to the solar plexus. She’d mentioned him to her friend? When? Wow. Just…wow.

  Peyton whispered something to Lotus, who simply smiled serenely and then winked at him before she fluttered off to greet another table.

  “I know you’ve been champing at the bit, so we can go now,” Peyton said, a light blush still coloring her cheeks.

  He’d worked hard to keep his anxiousness from her, but she’d picked up on it anyway. “If you’re sure.”

  Go was a relative term since it took another forty-five minutes before they were able to leave. He was pretty sure every single person at the wedding stopped her, even some of the servers who wanted her autograph. He almost took out a man who approached nervously, one hand suspiciously behind his back, but he only wanted her to sign one of the issues of Sports Illustrated where she’d graced the cover. The guy had four to choose from. She was gracious and accommodating—certainly more so than he was—but he tamped down his rapidly-growing impatience. Finally, blessedly, they exited the tent and made their way back to the SUV.

  “That didn’t take long,” Jamal remarked as soon as they were back inside and buckled up. “I was having fun. Can I play more when we get back to the house?”

  “Sure,” Declan said as Ethan started the engine. “In fact, I challenge you to a game.”

  Jamal pumped his fist. “You’re on!”

  They were going to have to figure out what to do with Jamal. Tomorrow was a school day, but if he attended, his brother would be able to find him—assuming he hadn’t been gravely injured in the shoot-out. Jamal told Peyton his aunt wanted to take him in. They needed to contact her to see if she was still willing to do so. He didn’t want to turn the boy over to social services, but they couldn’t keep him indefinitely, either.

  “Can we go swimming when we get back, too?” Jamal asked, swinging his arms as if he were stroking through the water. “I don’t want to lose my skills.”

  Peyton smiled at him as she ducked his flailing arm. “Sure, we can—”

  Something slammed into the windshield, fracturing it into a thousand tiny spiderweb cracks.

  “Get down,” Declan yelled at the same time Noah dove to cover Jamal and Peyton. He fumbled for Jamal’s seatbelt. As soon as the latch released, he shoved the boy to the floorboard. Then he did the same with Peyton, coming down over them both.

  “Hang on tight.” Ethan executed a reverse one-eighty where he backed up and then whipped the wheel around to head in the opposite direction and floored the accelerator. Another bullet pinged off the back of the SUV before Ethan sped out of range.

  “Stay down,” he told Jamal and Peyton as he moved to the seat and checked the back window, dialing Blake Caldwell at the same time. He gave the detective the information about the shooting when he answered.

  “This isn’t safe,” Ethan said, struggling to peer through the shattered windshield. “We need to pull over.”

  Once they were far enough down the road, Declan guided them to a spot off the road where they could take cover. It was possible the sniper could follow. From this vantage point, they’d be able to see him approach.

  Noah gave Caldwell the address and he promised to send a car to retrieve the bullet embedded in the glass and to transport them back to the house.

  When two police cars arrived, they unloaded everything they’d need from Ethan’s SUV and waited while a crime scene crew removed the bullet. Caldwell arrived at the same time as a tow truck to transport the SUV to a shop BeBe arranged to replace the bullet-proof glass.

  Declan rode with Jamal in one police car while he climbed into Caldwell’s vehicle with Peyton. Ethan rode shotgun.

  Caldwell glanced into the rear-view mirror. “Someone knew you’d be at the wedding.”

  “It wouldn’t have been too hard to figure out,” Peyton rationalized. “Lotus and I were teammates for several years and we’re still good friends. It would’ve been an easy assumption that I’d attend.”

  And it would’ve been a no-brainer to set up shop and wait. There was only one road leading to the beach where the ceremony was held. Still, he couldn’t help but wonder if the person knew Peyton’s schedule. First the banquet and now the wedding.

  As soon as the police cars dropped them off at the house, he took Ethan and Declan aside. “That makes two instances of someone knowing where Peyton would be and when.”

  “Someone has insider knowledge,” Declan deduced.

  “Her apartment was bugged,” Ethan guessed.

  Noah nodded. “That’s what I’m thinking. We need to do a scan.” He glanced over to see Jamal dancing around Peyton, challenging her to another game of Car Clash 6000.

  Declan followed his gaze. “I’ll keep Jamal occupied while you check for bugs.”

  “You don’t mind?”

  “Nah. He’s a great kid.”

  #

  Peyton couldn’t seem to stop shaking. Someone had shot at them. Again. If the glass hadn’t been bullet-proof, they could’ve di
ed. Thankfully the encounter hadn’t fazed Jamal in the least. He was already talking smack as he settled in for a rematch with Declan. Then she remembered him saying that shootouts were a daily occurrence at his apartment and her heart hurt for the boy. To be so young and immune to gunfire was a travesty—though he might not be so immune. He didn’t want to take off the vest. He said he felt safe with it on so none of them tried to remove it. If it provided him comfort, then he could wear it all the time as far as she was concerned.

  Declan returned and plopped down next to Jamal. Soon they were engaged in a lively battle complete with name calling, silly taunts and hoots of victory. Declan seemed to enjoy their competition as much as Jamal.

  Noah walked towards her and the look on his face caused an overwhelming feeling of apprehension. Butterflies fluttered in her belly. Something was wrong.

  “Do you still have the key to the pool house?”

  “Yes. Why?”

  “Someone’s been a step ahead of us. I want to check for any listening devices.”

  “You think my apartment was bugged?”

  “It’s a possibility I’d like to check out.”

  “I’m going with you.”

  He nodded. “That’s probably best so the owners don’t call the cops on us.”

  She found the key in her purse. “Before we search, I’d like to check on Aurora. Her mom texted me that she’s home now.”

  “Sure.”

  She started to leave the house when Noah cleared his throat. She turned to see him holding up her vest. Right. She wasn’t supposed to leave the house without it. It was tempting to just put it on over her shirt, but she didn’t want to have to explain to Aurora or her parents why she was walking around wearing Kevlar.

  Ducking into the bathroom off the kitchen, she removed her shirt and fastened the vest in place. Once she’d tugged her shirt back on, she checked out her reflection in the full-length mirror. It wasn’t completely unnoticeable, but it wasn’t too bulky, either. After turning off the light, she joined Noah and Ethan and with a feeling of dread, she followed them into the garage.

  “It’s not too far. Can’t we walk?”